Elizabeth Hurley swapped vows with Indian textile heir and software entrepreneur Arun Nayar in twin ceremonies at an English castle.
The couple made it official in an under-the-radar civil ceremony at Sudley Castle on Friday, according to officials in Gloucestershire. The pair then turned up the wattage Saturday for a religious service, in which Elton John reportedly gave away the bride, followed by a blow-out party attended by the likes Kate Moss, Elle Macpherson, Eva Herzigova, Patsy Kensit, Donatella Versace (who provided the wedding party's threads) and Hurley's ex, Hugh Grant.
Situated 125 miles west of London in Winchcombe, the postcard-perfect castle is owned by Hurley's close friend Henry Dent-Brocklehurst. Dent-Brocklehurst is also the godfather of Hurley's four-year-old son, Damien, whose father is producer/philanthropist/playboy Steve Bing.
With news of Saturday's affair leaking last month, throngs of paparazzi and fans descended upon the Costwold hills for a glimpse of the glittery guest list. Security guards patrolled the grounds to keep the looky-loos at bay and a massive tent shielded the participants from buzzing helicopters.
Hurley and Arun reportedly sold exclusive photo rights to Hello! magazine, so they had a financial stake in keeping prying eyes away.
London's Daily Mirror said the civil ceremony was officiated by county superintendent registrar Anne Williams as another registrar and two unidentified witnesses looked on.
The Reverend John Partington performed Saturday's blessing.
Hurley, 41, and Nayar, 42, began dating in 2003 after being set up by mutual friends following her split from Bing and his divorce from first wife, Italian model Valentina Pedroni. They announced their engagement last July.
This is Hurley's first marriage, although she dated Grant for more than a decade before calling it quits in 2000. She told Italian Vanity Fair in August that she figured she was already suited for married life.
"I was with Hugh for 13 years and we were like husband and wife so I don't think there will be any great difference," Hurley said.
Known for her roles in Austin Powers and Bedazzled, years of fronting Estée Lauder ads, Hurley now designs swimwear. Nayar, the sun of a Mumbai textile mogul, was raised in London and is chairman, CEO and cofounder of Direction Software Solutions. They share a 400-acre estate in Gloucestershire, not far from their wedding site.
With two ceremonies down, the happy couple still has more rounds of "I do's" ahead.
They are due to fly to India next week for several more days of celebrating in Mumbai and Rajasthan.
No comments:
Post a Comment